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According to the Foreign Office, the Remote Sensing Satellite-1 (PRSS-1) was launched at 08:57am by LM-2C/SMA launch vehicle from Jiuquan Satellite Center, China. The 1,200kg satellite PRSS-1 will operate at an altitude of 640km.

The satellite will enable Pakistan to meet its imagery requirements in the areas of land mapping, agriculture classification and assessment, urban and rural planning, environmental monitoring, natural disaster management and water resource management for socio-economic development of the country.

Another flagship satellite, Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite-1A (PakTES-1A) indigenously designed and developed by SUPARCO’s engineers, has also been co-launched with PRSS-1 by the same launch vehicle. PakTES-1A is a 285kg satellite equipped with an optical payload commensurate with national needs. It has a design life of three years and will operate at an altitude of 610km.

The successful implementation of PRSS-1 and PakTES-1A projects has further strengthened the space cooperation between Pakistan and China for future collaborations.

Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain and Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk have congratulated the nation on this historic event and appreciated SUPARCO’s scientists and engineers for their technical excellence and untiring efforts.

The prime minister has assured the nation and SUPARCO of complete support for further advancement in space technology, so vital for socio-economic development and national security of Pakistan. “Our scientists and engineers are the source of pride for the nation and the country,” they added.